Open electives may be fulfilled with approved transfer credits from another institution or courses from any other Mercy College program. It is highly recommended that majors take courses in the cognate programs of Media Studies, Music Industry and Technology, and Computer Information Systems.

REQUIREMENTS

In order to be admitted into the Computer Arts major, students must submit a portfolio of art work to be reviewed by the Portfolio Review Admission Committee.

Contact the program for information and procedures for the portfolio review. Students who are not prepared to submit a portfolio may enroll in CART 200 with permission of the program head. Work from this course may be used to complete the portfolio review.

Students will not be allowed to take additional CART courses until the portfolio review has been satisfactorily completed.

Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 in all attempted and completed Major courses. If the GPA in the major is less than 2.5, the student will be subject to a formal assessment of his/her aptitude for the subject matter and standing in the program and may be dismissed from the major.

There is a 21-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of Computer Arts and Design.

How To Apply to the Computer Arts + Design B.F.A.

Thank you for your interest in the Computer Arts + Design program at Mercy College. Applicants to the program must pass a portfolio review before taking classes in the major. The portfolio must include at least twenty examples of art or design work. Please note that we no longer require applicants to submit an essay for admission to the program, however, applicants must now submit an essay to Admissions as part of their undergraduate application. For more information from Mercy's Office of Admissions, click here.

The Portfolio

Your portfolio should show your potential for developing your work in the visual arts. Submit a range of work that highlights both your discipline and creativity. Submit at least 20 work samples, with a minimum of 10 examples that demonstrate your ability to draw or paint from direct observation. We want to see that you can render forms accurately and create interesting and unique compositions. Any digital work you submit should incorporate your design, drawing and/or painting skills. If you have completed work in animation and 3D modeling you can submit that work as well, but only submit your best work.

All applicants must:

Submit an application for admission to Mercy College through an Admissions Counselor at any Mercy campus or online. You can arrange an interview with an Admissions Counselor by calling 1 877 MERCY GO.

Apply directly to the Computer Arts + Design program by submitting a portfolio of work. Work will be reviewed by the Portfolio Review Committee. Carefully review the application guidelines before submitting your portfolio.

Transfer applicants with course work in art and design completed at another institution should contact to the Program Head for additional information on receiving transfer credit for that course work.

All files must be named and numbered LastnameFirstname01.jpeg, LastnameFirstname02.jpg, LastnameFirstname03.jpg, etc.

Presentation formats (PowerPoint, Keynote) are not accepted.

DeadlinesAlthough Mercy College has rolling admissions we recommend that fall applicants to the Computer Arts + Design program submit their portfolios in March or April or, if after that time, as soon as you apply for admission to the College. Applicants for the spring semester should submit their portfolios in December or, if applying after that time, as soon as you apply for admission.

How long does earning a degree take?

Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.

What is the first step in the admissions process?

Click on "Apply Now" on the Mercy homepage or call 1-800-MERCY NY to apply for admission to Mercy College and arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Counselor. Bring your completed application form and copies of your high school and/or college transcripts with you at the time of your appointment.

Yes, the program head and our full-time faculty work closely with all majors. We are always ready to guide students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and job placements.

What degrees do you offer?

We offer a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree.

Are internships available for college credit?

Yes. Students in the Computer Arts + Design program can complete up to 9 credits of internship credit.

What type of facilities do you have?

The program is housed in four dedicated computer/design labs and two art studios located at the main campus in Dobbs Ferry and at the Manhattan campus. Our labs are outfitted with the latest software and hardware, students routinely borrow digital cameras and audio recording need for independent and class projects and there is considerable open lab time scheduled each day. In addition, our students have access to the Music Industry and Technology programs' state-of-the-art recording studios and other facilities and equipment.

Is Mercy College a nonsectarian institution?

Yes. Qualified applicants are admitted without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or physical disability.

How many credits can be transferred from another institution?

Up to 75 credits from a two-year institution. Up to 90 from a four-year institution. Up to 90 credits combined however the credits may not exceed 75 credits from any combination of two-year institutions as they apply to your chosen degree. In addition you may only transfer in two courses of upper-level business credit (six credits) to apply to the major / specialization.

To schedule a tour, get information on application requirements and initiate the application process, contact the program head, Josh Gaetjen at (914) 674-3051 or jgaetjen@mercy.edu. Visit our How to Apply page for additional information on submitting your portfolio.

Yes, first-time freshmen complete 3 or 4 courses in the major in their first semester. All students take at least 3 major classes each semester.

Philip WhiteManager of Technology and Facilities

Jen RoosAssistant Professor, Computer Arts and Design

Josh GaetjenAssistant Professor, Computer Arts and Design

Ralph SullenderAssistant Professor, Computer Arts and Design

Computer Arts + Design Overview

Digital technology pervades our culture, empowering individuals to transform the way we look at the world. The Computer Arts + Design program, offered at the main campus in Dobbs Ferry and on the Manhattan campus, investigates the creative capacity of digital technology to improve communication, develop creative self-expression, and explore perception and interaction among people, objects and ideas. The Bachelor of Fine Arts program is designed to prepare students for careers in animation/gaming and communication design.

Computer Arts + Design FAQS

How can I get more information?
To schedule a tour, get information on application requirements and initiate the application process, contact the program head, Josh Gaetjen at (914) 674-3051 or jgaetjen@mercy.edu. Visit our How to Apply page for additional information on submitting your portfolio.

Computer Arts + Design at Mercy College investigates the creative capacity of digital technology to improve communication, develop creative self-expression, and explore perception and interaction among people, objects, and ideas. Our program offers a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree supported by the highest quality resources and facilities; it prepares students for careers in animation/gaming and communication design.

Admission Requirements

In order to be admitted into the Computer Arts major, students must submit a portfolio of artwork and essay to be reviewed by the Portfolio Review Admission Committee.

Contact the program for information and procedures for the portfolio review. Students who are not prepared to submit a portfolio may enroll in CART 200 with permission of the program head. Work from this course may be used to complete the portfolio review. Students will not be allowed to take additional CART courses until the portfolio review has been satisfactorily completed.

Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 in all attempted and completed Major courses. If the GPA in the major is less than 2.5, the student will be subject to a formal assessment of his/her aptitude for the subject matter and standing in the program and may be dismissed from the major.

There is a 21-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of Computer Arts + Design.

Please see the how to apply tab for more information.

Facilities

Computer Arts + Design is located at two Mercy campuses. The Roy Disney Studio for Animation Studies is located at our Manhattan campus, and The Center for Digital Arts is at Mercy's main campus in Dobbs Ferry, NY.